Austin has been blessed with lots of recent developments from the local chain Ramen Tatsu-ya, including a new barbecue-ramen fusion restaurant and two additional locations of the original concept leaked via Reddit. One of the latter two has come to fruition about seven months later.
The Lakeline (Cedar Park) location will be open at the Lakeline Market Shopping Center on March 13. It offers the same menu as its four other Austin locations, with seven bowls, including two vegan options. The four tonkotsu bowls are closer to the heavy, rich ramen most diners expect, but the light and clear chicken assari ramen is perhaps the chain’s most unique offering in the area.
Besides ramen, the menu is tight enough to be memorized after a handful of visits, but includes classics like edamame and karaage as well as slightly more adventurous additions like a shaved Brussels sprouts salad and a burnt orange ice cream sandwich. Additional toppings (classic: chashu; adventurous: aged parmesan) also enhance the base ramen options.
Lines at the various locations often spill out the door, so an outdoor seating area and a covered patio at the Lakeline location are both great news, as are the fans and heaters that keep them comfortable year-round. Inside, the hip-hop aesthetics and ramen monsters consistent across the chain appear in wall art by local artist Michael Sieben.
The Tatsu-ya Group celebrated a decade in business in 2022, and has become one of Austin’s strongest hospitality revolutionizers. The tone of its restaurants demonstrate a strong understanding of camp and casual dining, but each elevates the experience with an immersive style and great food. The entire Tatsu-ya franchise from Tiki Tatsu-ya to Domo Alley-Gato boasts incredible merch with both a sense of humor and a sense of style — consider the dramatic tiki glassware or the Ramones parody shirt about ramen.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya Lakeline is located at 14028 N US-183 Hwy Building G, 310, where Smashburger used to be. Hours of operations are between 11 am and 10 pm. More information is available at ramen-tatsuya.com.
Photo by Jane Yun
Ramen Tatsu-ya opens its Lakeline location on March 13. It serves all the same menu items as the other locations.
